Bangor, ME –It has become a tradition for Acadia Hospital to recognize and honor its employees during National Hospital Week, and this year was no exception. Dozens of employees gathered to enjoy lunch and receive recognition for years of service and professional excellence.

The program began with welcome comments from the hospital’s President and CEO Daniel B. Coffey. This was followed by the day’s keynote speaker, Robyn Greene, LCPC, an Acadia employee who works with children and adolescents. She spoke about the power of Paying it Forward every day, and shared several powerful stories of the impact Paying it Forward can have on both patients and staff.

Following Robyn’s presentation, the employee pinning ceremony commenced, recognizing staff for their years of service in five year increments, beginning with five and ending with 25 year recipients.

Following a delicious lunch, the Peer Excellence Awards were handed out for a variety of categories. There were many nominees in each category, and the winners were: Physician: Nathan Valentine, MD; Nurse: Kiley Kelly, RN; Clinician: Justin Umel, LCSW; Psychiatric Technician: Jacqueline Soohey; and, Ancillary Staff Member: Lenci Hurd. Congratulations to all nominees and to the winners in each category.

After the ceremony was complete, Coffey commented, “I am extremely proud to lead such a wonderful group of professionals. These events are important, as they allow us to reflect on our mission of empowering people to improve their lives, and recognize those among us who embody that mission.”